German Drilling (Sauer M30)
J.P. Sauer & Sohn · Shotgun · In Production · 1930
Also known as: Drilling, Dreilaeufer, Sauer M30, M30 Luftwaffe-Drilling
Overview
The Drilling is a German three-barrel combination gun, typically pairing two side-by-side 12-gauge shotgun barrels with a single rifle barrel beneath them, selectable by a barrel selector. This entry is anchored to the well-documented J.P. Sauer & Sohn M30, whose rifle barrel was chambered in 9.3x74mmR. A do-it-all hunter's gun, the type combines birdshot for game birds with a rifle barrel for big game in a single break-action arm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Barrel Length | 651 mm (25.63") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
- 9.3x74mm R — also known as 9.3x74R
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Three Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Side Safety Lever
- Features: Three Barrel Configuration, Two Shotgun One Rifle Barrel, Barrel Selector, Set Trigger For Rifle Barrel, Claw Scope Mounts, Pop Up Rifle Rear Sight, Greener Crossbolt
Service history
Operators
- Luftwaffe · adopted 1941 · as M30 Luftwaffe-Drilling
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,456 · Production years: 1930-present
Total reflects the M30 Luftwaffe military variant (~2,456, 1941-1942); the Drilling type as a whole is produced by many makers and not quantifiable
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
'Drilling' is German for 'triplet'. Dimensions are anchored to the Sauer M30 exemplar; the type varies widely by maker (Sauer, Heym, Krieghoff, Merkel) and the rifle barrel is offered in many cartridges (9.3x74mmR, 7x57R, 8x57JR, .30-06 and others). The front trigger doubles as a set trigger for the rifle barrel. The M30 Luftwaffe variant (about 2,456 made, 1941-1942) was issued to German bomber crews as a survival gun.
Background
The Sauer M30 Drilling was issued to Luftwaffe bomber crews in the North African and Mediterranean theaters as a survival gun - so a downed airman could hunt game and defend himself against animals after a forced landing; about 2,456 were made, stamped with Nazi eagle and Waffenamt proofs.